Marvel-ous!

College Girl is an Avengers fan. She has seen the movie a couple of times! We had to buy these sleep shorts for her when we spotted them. So far, the film has earned 1.4 billion worldwide, and 600 million domestically. It's safe to say lots of people have seen the Hulk, Iron Man, Captain America and Thor join forces to stop Loki and the Chitauri invasion of Earth! At this date, only the movie Avatar has earned more domestically, with Titanic coming in third place. 

The first Avengers comic book was published in September 1963, following the success of DC's Justice League.

Now, you know I can't resist sharing all things tea with you...and that goes for a special blend made with Loki in mind. Check out this Adagio blend made with  rooibos jasmine and spearmint.
 

                ~ AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!

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Pink Saturday 

Welcome, Oriole~

To hear an oriole sing
May be a common thing,
Or only a divine.

It is not of the bird
Who sings the same, unheard,
As unto crowd.

The fashion of the ear
Attireth that it hear
In dun or fair.

So whether it be rune,
Or whether it be none,
Is of within;

The "tune is in the tree,"
The sceptic showeth me;
"No, sir! In thee!

                                                - Emily Dickinson

 
Orioles have a habit of showing up unexpectedly in our backyard. Two years ago one surprised us with a brief visit to our hummingbird feeder. I was so thrilled to see the bright yellow visitor perched near our kitchen window that we promptly went out and bought an Oriole feeder. 

I happily placed an orange half and grape jelly on the feeder but never saw the Oriole again that year! boohoo~ Last year I wanted to be prepared, so as soon as I thought an Oriole might make a visit, I hung the feeder in the yard and waited. And waited. Out of the blue one day - literally! - one appeared. I grabbed my camera and managed to get a couple of photos. Alas, it did not feed but departed within minutes.

I am somewhat new to bird watching, so I do not know if this is a male or female. Anyone know the sex and species? I'm guessing it's a female. It landed on the hummingbird feeder again and did not sample the jelly and orange pieces we had ready. We did not see this bird for the rest of the season, so the Oriole feeder was put away unused again.

 Guess who came for lunch today? Yep, the pretty yellow Oriole! She landed on the hummingbird feeder, but quickly flew to the sundial, then to the pot of Four O'Clocks before flying away. I wanted to yell "come back!"  I quickly got the jelly and oranges ready and took them outside. Ugh! Our timing was off. I am crossing my fingers she returns for the snacks we have waiting.

Attracting Orioles
Orioles are attracted in the summer with sugar-water nectar at oriole feeders, but they do need perches in order to use these feeders. Many other foods will also lure the oriole, such as: suet, suet mixtures, peanut butter mixtures, doughnuts, pie crust, white bread soaked in milk, halved apples and oranges, cooked raisins, grapes, pieces of banana and grape or strawberry jelly.



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Chamomile Sunset

What could be nicer than a warm cup of chamomile, a good book and a blank journal? How about if we step outside and sit on the patio while we enjoy the sunset?

I took a Hazelnut Cream candle outdoors with me for ambiance and aroma. It smells of vanilla and brown sugar.

 I listened to birds wishing the day adieu, and watched as the last of the sun rays gilded the hilltops.

Being such a kid at heart I adore graham crackers. But these are not just any old grahams, these are my favorite from Trader Joes. I could eat a dozen! And what do you suppose is in the little dish next to them? Those are Spiced Chocolate Pecans that a friend sent to me. 

 
 The cup I used this evening is the Queen's Bird by Spode. I think it is perfect for a sunset cuppa~

 This cup has rich jewel tones and a sweet image just inside the rim.

The handle reminds me of an elf's ear, or perhaps that of the fairies that frequent the garden.

I am on chapter thirty of The Count Of Monte Cristo and the story is more exciting than ever. I can just finish reading one chapter, and do a bit of journaling, before the light gets too dim to continue.

But that suits the night blooming flowers just fine. The Four O' Clocks have not blossomed yet, but I spy tiny lilac colored flowers that are happy to greet the twilight.

Happy 'Tea Cup Tuesday' wherever you spend it.




I am sharing this post with:
Marthas Favorites
Terri at Artful Affirmations
Sandi at Rose Chintz Cottage
Ruth at Antiques and Teacups 
Mosaic Monday 
Uncommon Designs 

By the Sea, oh how Happy we'll Be...

KERNE ERICKSON

 Don't you love those 'photographic' moments? You know, the ones that you don't actually have a photo for but are emblazoned on your heart ? If you have never had the chance to visit the California coastline, I hope you put it on your 'bucket list'. It is beautiful! There are long, scenic miles of sand, rocks and sea.

Shell Beach is between Monterey and Santa Barbara and is a great destination for rest and relaxation. It is not far from Hearst Castle, another must see.

 Can you just imagine the salty spray and sound of the seagulls?

Look just beyond the breakers and you'll spot sea otters frolicking in the water!

 A small treasure from the waves, washed ashore. 

                                                                     

After sunset, my husband and I walked down to the sand from our cliff side hotel. We stood hand in hand listening to the surf and gazing at the stars.

Yes, that moment is imprinted on my heart forevermore. 

Smile

Smile~ it's Saturday! Yesterday I worked for a bit in the backyard, then headed inside to clean and trim some strawberries my husband and I bought at a small farmer's market. We also picked up some more sunflower seeds to plant because the batch I planted in April (which were doing so nicely) were devoured by some little critter....slugs? Grrr! Even though it is a bit late in the season, our summer weather lasts well into October, so I am hoping the newly planted sunflower seeds will thrive in the above ground planter I put them in this time. I love seeing those sunny yellow faces each year in the backyard. The birds enjoy them too. 

I have two things to share with you today: my Fairy Garden, which is a work in progress, and a new greeting card I made.

Every summer I refresh this little saucer pot with some kind of grass, herbs or flowers. I also like to include a tiny marble bird bath, a bee skep, a trellis, pebbles and, of course, a fairy to watch over it.  I used pieces of a broken terra cotta pot for a garden path, and installed a 'Bees Welcome' sign next to the skep. Notice the Lavender fairy hanging onto the trellis? Sometimes she appears next to the birdbath, and often she has company...Yarrow Fairy, Geranium Fairy or perhaps a butterfly or bird.

She is so sweet! And although she holds a special place in her heart for the color lavender, she also likes pink.

             The bees share garden news with her~

I'm sure she must have thought I was a curious sight taking photos of some of the pink flowers in the yard.

There are soft blush colored pink petals in the compost pan, tiny Geranium blossoms, deep pink roses, pink and white trumpet shaped Penstemon,  hydrangea and more.

Can you imagine what it would be like to climb inside this gorgeous bloom?  Or nap between rose petals?

 Here is the card I created~ I went for simple and clean, and included a pink flower.

Wishing you plenty of reasons to smile today!




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Share your Cup Thursday/Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson 
Beverly at How Sweet The Sound





Uncommonly Yours

Buttercup and Fushia

lovelydaysshabbychicphotography.jpg

I am in a pink and yellow 'rut' and loving it! The last 5 greeting cards I created have been a combo of yellow and pink. These colors are so appealing and look fabulous with white. Check out this gorgeous living room~

idealhomemagazine-co-uk

 I sipped Paris  tea from this sweet duo: this porcelain cup is called Pip Studio Pink Bird teacup and saucer. 

brambleandbloom.co.uk

 It is available from Bramble and Bloom which also sells matching plates and mugs, as well as a blue set of dishes. I like the image of the branch inside the cup and the petite flowers on the saucer.
While enjoying my 'cuppa', I made a quick tutorial to share with you. Start with a blank white card.

                          Add a yellow print~

                         
                           Add a solid pink~

                Add a pink and yellow print!

          Add a ribbon or punched strip of paper

                 Add a misted or inked book page

Lindys Stamp Gang Starburst

Add paper triangles to form a banner across the top, decorate with pearls. Add an embellishment to the center: I used an embossed Spellbinders die cut and added a cupcake sticker to the center.

              Here is the completed birthday card~

p.s. I am half-way through the Count Of Monte Cristo and loving every chapter so far!



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Artful Affirmations 
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Time Travel Thursday 

Feeling Like Summer

  Our house is near an elementary school, so it really feels like summer has begun now that the campus is quiet and the children are gone. In addition, Father's Day always falls at the end of the school year, so it is confirmed...summer vacation! Speaking of Father's Day, College Girl put together a basket of her Dad's favorite snacks, along with a new golf shirt. He has a few golf shirts to wear, but continues to choose a green one which has seen better days. You know how that is...you find a favorite clothing item and keep wearing it over and over? I've done it myself so I understand. The replacement is a new green golf shirt. Hope it brings him luck on the course. :)

We found some great free Father's Day printables at
Hello Lucky  to dress up the basket and the root beer bottle, as well as a festive tabletop sign. Dad requested spaghetti for dinner, and College Girl made him Rice Krispie treats for dessert~

With Father's Day behind us and the weather warming up, guess what we spotted? An ice cream truck...but not just any ice cream truck. We saw the comic book version of Archies Ice Cream trucks!

These trucks are available for all kinds of special events and have a celebrity following. Our local neighborhood ice cream truck is not as colorful as Archies. But, I do enjoy hearing it play the song 'Camp Town Races' late in the afternoon as I work on a card or scrapbook page. It is another reminder that books and lunch bags won't be needed for awhile, and that setting the alarm is optional.


Hope everyone enjoyed celebrating Father's Day with the special men in your life.




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Sunny Simple Life